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Bayram F, Sonmez A, Kiyici S, Akbas F, Yetgin MK, Yazici D, Cingi A, Sargin M, Unal S, Iseri C, Mahmutoglu FS, Yumuk VD. Expert Opinion on the Utility of Telemedicine in Obesity Care: Recommendations on a Hybrid Multidisciplinary Integrated Care Follow-Up Algorithm. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:167-182. [PMID: 38172478 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00541-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The proposed expert opinion was prepared by a panel of obesity and law specialists from Turkey to review the utility of telemedicine in obesity care and to provide a guidance document with recommendations on a hybrid multidisciplinary integrated care follow-up algorithm and the legislation governing telemedicine practice to assist obesity specialists in practicing the telemedicine. RECENT FINDINGS The efficacy and feasibility of telemedicine interventions in supporting obesity management programs even during pandemics confirm that obesity is a particularly well-suited field for telemedicine, emphasizing the strong likelihood of continued utilization of telemedicine in obesity management, beyond the pandemic period. Telemedicine has great potential to address several barriers to ongoing weight-management care, such as challenges of access to specialized care, cost, and time limitations as well as patient adherence to treatment. However, telemedicine practice should complement rather than replace the in-person visits which are unique in building rapport and offering social support. Accordingly, the participating experts recommend the use of a hybrid integrated care model in the management of obesity, with the use of telemedicine, as an adjunct to in-person visits, to enable the provision of suggested intensive obesity management via frequent visits by a multidisciplinary team of obesity specialists. Further research addressing the utility of telemedicine in terms of optimal modality and duration for successful long-term obesity management outcomes is necessary to develop specific guidelines on telemedicine practice. In addition, the legislation governing the norms and protocols on confidentiality, privacy, access, and liability needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahri Bayram
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Alper Sonmez
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Guven Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sinem Kiyici
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Feray Akbas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Kucuk Yetgin
- Department of Coaching Education, Sport Health Sciences, Marmara University Faculty of Sports Science, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yazici
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Koc University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asim Cingi
- Department of General Surgery, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sargin
- Department of Family Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seniz Unal
- Private Clinical Psychology Office, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Iseri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nutrition Science, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Selami Mahmutoglu
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law, Turkish-German University Faculty of Law, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Demirhan Yumuk
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
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Yudkin JS, Messiah SE, Allicock MA, Barlow SE. Integration of e-Health Strategies for Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Pediatric Weight Management Programs. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:321-330. [PMID: 37552819 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a renewed urgency to address the obesity pandemic and accelerated the use of technology to treat pediatric obesity. Yet, there are significant incongruities between the existing literature on technology for obesity management and the current health care system that may lead to suboptimal outcomes and increased costs. This study reviewed the types of e-health strategies currently in use, highlighted inconsistencies and overlap in terminology, and identified future research directions in e-health for childhood obesity, including gaps in implementation science. Methods: This narrative literature review synthesized seminal articles from the literature, as well as recent articles, using PubMed and Google Scholar that focused on the use of technology in treating pediatric obesity. This inclusive strategy was intended to elucidate the heterogeneity in how different disciplines are using digital health terminology in pediatric obesity research. Results: Both the prevalence of e-health interventions and its associated terminology are increasing in the peer-reviewed literature, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, their definitions and usage are unstandardized, leading to a lack of cohesion in the research and between disciplines. There is a gap in implementation science outcomes, including reimbursement, that may significantly impact external validity and uptake. Conclusion: A more systematic and precise approach to researching e-health that can assess specific technologies and combinations of technologies, their short-term and long-term effect sizes, and feasibility can produce the necessary data that may lead to reimbursement policies and, ultimately, improved pediatric weight management outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Yudkin
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah E Messiah
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Marlyn A Allicock
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah E Barlow
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Children's Health, Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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O'Hara VM, Louder D, Johnston SV, Hastey K, Browne NT. Pediatric Obesity Care via Telemedicine: Expanding the Path Forward-A Review. Curr Obes Rep 2023; 12:546-556. [PMID: 37940835 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00537-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review latest data regarding the intersection of pediatric obesity epidemic with telemedicine expansion to meet the need of equitable obesity care in children. RECENT FINDINGS Prevalence of pediatric obesity in the USA continues to worsen particularly in rural, underserved areas. Although there is an increasing number of obesity medicine specialists over the last decade, availability varies by geographic location. Pre-pandemic centers were limited, rarely located in rural areas, and required in-person visits for reimbursement. Telemedicine changes, responding to pandemic needs, provided increase in telemedicine utilization and acceptance with similar or improved obesity care outcomes. Given pediatric obesity prevalence and need for chronic, effective obesity care, leveraging telemedicine to expand reach and decrease access barriers provides a critical and creative remedy. Data cites similar outcomes between telemedicine and in-person care. The time to reimagine a full spectrum of care delivery for pediatric obesity is now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie M O'Hara
- Maine Medical Center Weight and Wellness Clinic, 41 Donald B. Dean Drive Suite A, South Portland, ME, 04106, USA.
| | - Danielle Louder
- Northeast Telehealth Resource Center, MCD Global Health, 105 Second Street, Suite 2A, Hallowell, ME, 04347, USA
| | - Starr V Johnston
- Northern Light Acadia Hospital, 268 Stillwater Ave, Bangor, ME, 04401, USA
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Simione M, Aschbrenner K, Farrar-Muir H, Luo M, Granadeno J, Caballero-Gonzalez A, Price SN, Torres C, Boudreau AA, Fiechtner L, Hambidge SJ, Sease K, Taveras EM. Adapting Connect for Health pediatric weight management program for telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:139. [PMID: 37974245 PMCID: PMC10652425 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the evolving needs and context changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted Connect for Health, an evidence-based, primary care, pediatric weight management intervention. The objective of this study is to describe the planned adaptation process to ensure continued and equitable program uptake during the pandemic. METHODS Guided by adaptation frameworks, we identified the core functions and forms of Connect for Health and then adapted the intervention in response to a changing healthcare context. We engaged stakeholders and surveyed parents of children with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile and pediatric clinicians and examined their experiences using telehealth for pediatric weight management and needs and preferences. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the preferences of parents with limited English proficiency regarding key aspects of pediatric weight management. RESULTS We surveyed 200 parents and 43% had a primary language of Spanish. Parents wanted care to be a combination of in-person and virtual visits (80%). We found that parents with limited English proficiency had a higher odds ratio of affirming in-person visits are better than virtual visits for ensuring their child's health concern can be taken care of (OR: 2.91; 95% CI: 1.36, 6.21), feeling comfortable when discussing personal information (OR: 3.91; 95% CI: 1.82, 8.43), talking about healthy behaviors and setting goals (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.39, 6.90), and talking about mental health and overall well-being (OR: 4.02; 95% CI: 1.83, 8.87) than parents without limited English proficiency. We surveyed 75 clinicians and 60% felt telehealth was a useful tool to provide care for pediatric weight management. Clinicians felt virtual visits did not pose barriers to all aspects of care. Informed by the surveys and stakeholder input, we made clinician- and family-level adaptations while retaining the program's function. CONCLUSIONS By engaging stakeholders and adapting the program for telehealth, we optimized the reach and fit of Connect for Health to ensure its continued uptake. We have provided a real-world example of how clinical innovations can evolve and how to systematically plan adaptations in response to changing healthcare contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04042493), Registered on August 2, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Simione
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kelly Aschbrenner
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Haley Farrar-Muir
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Man Luo
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jazmin Granadeno
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ariadne Caballero-Gonzalez
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sarah N Price
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Carlos Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center, Chelsea, MA, USA
| | - Alexy Arauz Boudreau
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren Fiechtner
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon J Hambidge
- Ambulatory Care Services, Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kerry Sease
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
- Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Mass General for Children, 125 Nashua St, Suite 860, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Elkhoury D, Elkhoury C, Gorantla VR. Improving Access to Child and Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery: A Review of Updated National and International Practice Guidelines. Cureus 2023; 15:e38117. [PMID: 37252536 PMCID: PMC10212726 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of childhood obesity is a growing concern due to its negative impact on health. Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) has gained popularity as an effective and adequate intervention for children and adolescent patients living with severe obesity. Nonetheless, access to MBS for this population is still limited. The objective of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive review of the latest national and international practice guidelines and improve access to MBS for children and adolescents. The paper focuses on the recommendations from the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and 2022 guidelines from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). Recently updated guidelines from the ASMBS and IFSO aim to improve access to MBS for children and adolescents and recommend patient selection, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative care. While lifestyle changes, medication, and behavioral therapy are commonly prescribed, they often fail to achieve permanent weight loss and its maintenance. Weight-loss surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (RYGB) show promising results in managing severe obesity in adolescents. SG has become the preferred method for treating severe obesity in adolescents, surpassing RYGB. Weight stigma is also explored in this review, revealing its negative effects on individuals who are overweight and underweight. Furthermore, telehealth is identified as an increasingly valuable tool for managing pediatric obesity, as it can improve access to care, particularly for those in remote areas where physicians trained to treat childhood obesity and the shortage of bariatric surgeons experienced in treating younger adolescents and pediatricians with advanced training are major obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Elkhoury
- Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, GRD
| | - Christina Elkhoury
- Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Soltero EG, Lopez C, Hernandez E, O'Connor TM, Thompson D. Technology-Based Obesity Prevention Interventions Among Hispanic Adolescents in the United States: Scoping Review. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 5:e39261. [PMID: 36331547 PMCID: PMC9675012 DOI: 10.2196/39261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that today's adolescents are digital front-runners, technology-based obesity prevention strategies are age-appropriate for this population. The use of remote and wireless technologies may be suitable for extending the reach and engagement of obesity prevention efforts among high-risk Hispanic youths, as this subgroup is disproportionately affected by barriers that limit participation in traditional, in-person interventions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the intervention and sample characteristics of technology-based obesity prevention interventions among Hispanic adolescents. We also examined feasibility criteria to assess the acceptability and appropriateness of technology-based strategies among Hispanic youths. METHODS A comprehensive search of Embase and PubMed identified 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS Of the 7 included studies, half (n=4, 57%) used a randomized control trial design, with equal implementation in school (n=3, 43%) and clinic (n=4, 57%) settings. Studies commonly targeted improvements in diet (n=4, 57%) and physical activity (n=7, 100%), with only 1 (14%) study focused on sedentary behaviors. Just 2 (29%) studies reported the use of behavioral theories or models. Studies focused primarily on youths in early (n=5, 71%) or middle (n=6, 86%) adolescence, and there was limited information reported on socioeconomic status. Only 3 (43%) study conducted formative work, and few (n=3, 43%) reported on acceptability. Only 1 (14%) study reported that materials were available in Spanish and English, and only 1 (14%) study used culturally tailored content. Additionally, 3 (43%) studies used strategies that considered social determinants of health. CONCLUSIONS To increase our understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of technology-based obesity prevention strategies among Hispanic adolescents, there is a need for more feasibility studies that are theoretically grounded and comprehensively report on feasibility-related outcomes. Future studies should also leverage technology to simultaneously address multiple health behaviors beyond diet and physical activity. The result of this review can be used to guide the development of future technology-based obesity prevention strategies among Hispanic adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION CliniclaTrials.gov NCT04953442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04953442.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica G Soltero
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Callie Lopez
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Edith Hernandez
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Teresia M O'Connor
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Debbe Thompson
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Services Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Hung DY, Rundall TG, Lee J, Khandel N, Shortell SM. Managing Through a Pandemic: A Daily Management System for COVID-19 Response and Recovery. J Healthc Manag 2022; 67:446-457. [PMID: 36350582 PMCID: PMC9640242 DOI: 10.1097/jhm-d-21-00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
GOAL This study explored the use of a Lean daily management system (DMS) for COVID-19 response and recovery in U.S. hospitals and health systems. Originally developed in manufacturing, Lean is an evidence-based approach to quality and process improvement in healthcare. Although Lean has been studied in individual hospital units and outpatient practices, it has not been examined as a whole system response to crisis events. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with 46 executive leaders, clinical leaders, and frontline staff in four hospitals and health systems across the United States. We developed a semistructured interview guide to understand DMS implementation in these care delivery organizations. As interviews took place 6-8 months following the onset of the pandemic, a subset of our interview questions centered on DMS use to meet the demands of COVID-19. Based on a deductive approach to qualitative analysis, we identified clusters of themes that described how DMS facilitated rapid system response to the public health emergency. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS There were many important ways in which U.S. hospitals and health systems leveraged their DMS to address COVID-19 challenges. These included the use of tiered huddles to facilitate rapid communication, the creation of standard work for redeployed staff, and structured problem-solving to prioritize new areas for improvement. We also discovered ways that the pandemic itself affected DMS implementation in all organizations. COVID-19 universally created greater DMS visibility by opening lines of communication among leadership, strengthening measurement and accountability, and empowering staff to develop solutions at the front lines. Many lessons learned using DMS for crisis management will carry forward into COVID-19 recovery efforts. Lessons include expanding telehealth, reactivating incident command systems as needed, and efficiently coordinating resources amid potential future shortages. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Overall, the Lean DMS functioned as a robust property that enabled quick organizational response to unpredictable events. Our findings on the use of DMS are consistent with organizational resilience that emphasizes collective sense-making and awareness of incident status, team decision-making, and frequent interaction and coordination. These features of resilience are supported by DMS practices such as tiered huddles for rapid information dissemination and alignment across organizational hierarchies. When used in conjunction with plan-do-study-act methodology, huddles provide teams with enhanced feedback that strengthens their ability to make changes as needed. Moreover, gaps between work-as-imagined (how work should be done) and work-as-done (how work is actually done) may be exacerbated in the initial chaos of emergency events but can be minimized through the development of standard work protocols. As a facilitator of resilience, the Lean DMS may be used in a variety of challenging situations to ensure high standards of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Y. Hung
- School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | | | - Justin Lee
- School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley
| | - Negeen Khandel
- School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley
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Impact of Telehealth Implementation on an Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2022; 18:1161-1166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Verduci E, Fiore G, Di Profio E, Zuccotti GV. The Paradox of the Mediterranean Diet in Pediatric Age during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030705. [PMID: 35277063 PMCID: PMC8838277 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.V.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Fiore
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.V.Z.)
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Profio
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.V.Z.)
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (G.F.); (E.D.P.); (G.V.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
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Calcaterra V, Verduci E, Vandoni M, Rossi V, Di Profio E, Carnevale Pellino V, Tranfaglia V, Pascuzzi MC, Borsani B, Bosetti A, Zuccotti G. Telehealth: A Useful Tool for the Management of Nutrition and Exercise Programs in Pediatric Obesity in the COVID-19 Era. Nutrients 2021; 13:3689. [PMID: 34835945 PMCID: PMC8618189 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the implementation of policies that mandate various restrictions on daily life, including social distancing, the closure of public services and schools, and movement limitations. Even though these restrictive measures decreased the COVID-19 spread, they may have detrimental effects on various lifestyle components such as physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits, influencing the maintenance of weight and contributing to obesity among children and adolescents. The coexistence of childhood obesity and COVID-19 and changes in the bioecological environment have put children and adolescents at increased risk for developing obesity and exacerbating the severity of this disorder. The use of telehealth technology is a modern approach useful for the delivery of health care services by health care professionals, where distance is a critical factor. Telehealth is effective in promoting increased self-monitoring and behavioral change, and provides the opportunity to perform online nutritional support and exercise training programs to promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents. Telehealth, including tele-exercise and tele-nutrition, has the potential to address many of the key challenges in providing health services, including in patients with obesity during the COVID-19 outbreak. This narrative review aims to describe the role of telehealth as an opportunity in the management of pediatric obesity in the COVID-19 era, and to deliver nutrition and exercise programs for the maintenance of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (V.C.P.)
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Elisabetta Di Profio
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Vittoria Carnevale Pellino
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (V.C.P.)
| | - Valeria Tranfaglia
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Martina Chiara Pascuzzi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Barbara Borsani
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Alessandra Bosetti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (V.R.); (E.D.P.); (V.T.); (M.C.P.); (B.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.)
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Moorman EL, Koskela-Staples NC, Mathai BB, Fedele DA, Janicke DM. Pediatric Obesity Treatment via Telehealth: Current Evidence and Future Directions. Curr Obes Rep 2021; 10:371-384. [PMID: 34302603 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-021-00446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telehealth delivery of pediatric weight management interventions may address time, travel, and cost barriers to in-person interventions, thus improving accessibility. This narrative review highlights findings from the past 5 years of pediatric lifestyle interventions for weight management that utilize telehealth for treatment delivery. We describe impressions and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS We identified and included 20 studies that described unique interventions from the past 5 years. The majority of reviewed studies indicated statistically significant reductions in BMI z-scores, high retention and attendance, and high satisfaction. However, mean decreases in BMI z-scores were marginal (approximately 0.10) in all but two studies. Studies did not often report effect sizes. Pediatric telehealth weight management interventions demonstrate good feasibility and acceptability. Improvement in reporting results and more rigorous research, including use of randomized designs, recruitment of larger samples, and incorporation of extended follow-up is needed to determine clinical impact and magnitude of effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Moorman
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Babetta B Mathai
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David A Fedele
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David M Janicke
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Mustafa L, Chernoguz A. Running the Obstacle Course: Improving the Utilization of Bariatric Surgery in Adolescent Obesity. Clin Ther 2021; 43:1154-1161. [PMID: 34233844 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic in the adolescent population continues to worsen despite increased awareness. Although there is an improved understanding of the role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of obesity in adolescents, a number of barriers still prevent its widespread utilization. The lack of formal obesity-focused education in the training curricula of primary care providers (PCPs), coupled with variable distribution of comprehensive resources, creates an inhospitable environment for effective anti-obesity treatment in adolescents. In addition, racial disparities and variability in insurance coverage contribute to the complexity of this problem. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the rate of childhood obesity and emphasized the need for bariatric surgery as an adjunctive treatment. This article highlights 3 barriers to bariatric surgery: (1) hesitation to refer for surgery; (2) limitation in available resources; and (3) racial disparities in anti-obesity treatment. Potential systemic solutions to such obstacles are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liri Mustafa
- Tufts Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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